Apparatus and methods for controlling axial growth with an ocular lens

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of an ocular lens includes a lens body configured to contact an eye where the lens body has an optic zone shaped to direct central light towards a central focal point of a central region of a retina of the eye. At least one optic feature of the lens body has a characteristic that directs peripheral light off axis into the eye away from the central region of the retina. Another embodiment of an ocular lens has at least one isolated feature of the lens body that has a characteristic of directing peripheral light off axis into the eye away from the central region of the retina. Methods of making contact lenses include forming the features during the manufacturing process.

BACKGROUND

Emmetropia is a state of vision where a viewer sees objects clearly atboth near and far distances. The cornea and crystalline lenscollectively focus the light entering the eye to the central regions ofthe retina. Emmetropia is achieved when the collective refractive powersof the cornea and crystalline lens focus light exactly onto the centralportion of the retina.

Myopia is a vision condition where objects near to a viewer appearclear, but objects that are spaced farther away from the viewer getprogressively blurred. Myopia is sometimes referred to as beingnearsighted. Myopia can be caused by any number of conditions andreasons. A significant factor for many cases of myopia includes anelongated axial length of the eye. Myopia occurs when the focal point ofthe focused light entering the eye is formed before the retina. In otherwords, the focus of the light rays entering the eye converges short ofthe retina.

Another condition that is affected by the eye's axial length ishyperopia. This condition causes the viewer to see objects at a distanceclearly, while the objects close to the viewer are progressively burred.While this condition can occur for multiple reasons as well, a persontypically has hyperopia if the focal point of the focused light enteringthe eye is formed behind the retina.

The axial length of the eye grows as children age. As young people begintheir young adulthood years, the eye generally stops growing and theaxial length of the eye becomes more permanent. Thus, if the growth ofthe eye's axial length can be controlled during a child's youth, myopiaor hyperopia can be reduced or even eliminated in the child's adulthoodyears. What is needed is an apparatus, system, and method forcontrolling the growth of the eye's axial length during any stage oflife where the axial length of the eye is capable of growing.

SUMMARY

A number of representative embodiments are provided to illustrate thevarious features, characteristics, and advantages of the disclosedsubject matter. It should be understood that the features,characteristics, advantages, etc., described in connection with oneembodiment can be used separately or in various combinations andsub-combinations with other features described in connection with otherembodiments.

In one embodiment of the principles described herein, an ocular lensincludes a lens body configured to contact an eye. The lens bodyincludes an optic zone configured to direct light towards a centralregion of the retina of the eye. At least one optic feature of the lensbody has a characteristic that selectively directs light into the eyeaway from the central region of the retina. The ocular lens may be acontact lens, a soft contact lens, a rigid gas permeable contact lens,an implantable lens, or combinations thereof.

In some cases, the optic feature is a printed featured. Such a printedfeature can be formed using pad printing processes, plate printingprocesses, etch printing processes, dot matrix printing processes, laserprinting processes, tamp printing processes, liquid jet printingprocesses, other printing processes, or combinations thereof.

The optic feature can be formed on an anterior surface of the ocularlens. In examples where the lens body is made of multiple layers, theoptic feature can be formed on an internal or external surface of anyone of the layers. Such an internal or external surface can be on anintermediate layer or on another surface of an anterior layer or aposterior layer.

The optic features may be made of a silicone material, a hydrogelmaterial, an optical material, a colored material, or combinationsthereof. The optic features can be formed in any appropriate location onthe ocular lens so that the features do not diminish optical clarity ofthe lens by preventing the central light to focus light on the centralregion of the retina. In some cases, the optic features are formed innon-optic regions of the ocular lens. In some examples, the opticfeatures have a hexagonal shape, a Fresnel type shape, or a semi sphereshape, but the optic features may have any appropriate shape.

In some instances, the optic features have the same refractive index asthe material that makes up the lens body. In other examples, the opticfeatures have a different refractive index than the material of the lensbody. The optic features may have the characteristic of directing thelight into a peripheral region of the retina, focusing light exactlyonto a peripheral region of the retina, focusing light in front of aperipheral region of the retina, focusing light behind a peripheralregion of the retina, or combinations thereof. The characteristic mayhave the effect of controlling growth of an axial length of the eye,controlling myopia, preventing myopia, controlling hyperopia, preventinghyperopia, other effects, or combinations thereof.

The optic feature can be incorporated into the lens body withoutaffecting the ocular lens' field of curvature. The optic feature mayalso be one of multiple independent optic features incorporated into theocular lens that are independently tuned to direct light towardsspecific areas of the retina. Such optic features can have differentsizes, different shapes, different refractive indexes, differentfocusing powers, other differing characteristics, or combinationsthereof. In some examples, the optic features are lenslets, such ashexagonal lenslets, semi-spherical lenslets, lensets of another shape,or combinations thereof. In alternative examples, an optic featureinclude a Frensel type shape, a toric shape, another type of shape, orcombinations thereof.

In another embodiment of the principles described herein, the ocularlens has a body configured to contact an eye. The lens body has an opticzone shaped to direct light towards a central focal point of a centralregion of the retina. At least one isolated feature of the lens body hasa characteristic that directs light into the eye away from the centralregion of the retina.

The isolated feature can be a molded feature that is integrally formedin the ocular lens. In other instances, the isolated feature is aprinted feature. The isolated feature can be formed on an anteriorsurface of the ocular lens or on an internal surface of a layer of alens body made of multiple layers.

In yet another embodiment of the principles described herein, a methodfor making an ocular lens includes forming a spin casting mold with alens mating surface by forming a profile on a first side of a moldmaterial where the profile contains at least one recess, applying aliquid lens material to the first side of the spin casting mold,spinning the spin casting mold such that the liquid lens materialcentrifugally flows across the first side of the spin casting mold andfills the recess in the profile, and at least partially curing theliquid lens material to form the ocular lens with at least oneprotrusion formed by the at least one recess while spinning the spincasting mold.

In yet another embodiment of the principles described herein, a methodfor making an ocular lens includes forming a spin casting mold with alens mating surface by forming a profile on a first side of a moldmaterial where the profile contains at least one protrusion, applying aliquid lens material to the first side of the spin casting mold,spinning the spin casting mold such that the liquid lens materialcentrifugally flows across the first side of the spin casting mold andcovers the protrusion in the profile, and at least partially curing theliquid lens material to form the ocular lens with at least one recessformed by the at least one protrusion while spinning the spin castingmold.

In yet another embodiment of the principles described herein, a methodfor making an ocular lens includes forming a casting mold including alens mating surface by forming a profile on a first side of a moldmaterial where the profile contains at least one recess, applying aliquid lens material to the first side of the casting mold, securing abackside mold such that the liquid lens material flows across the firstside of the casting mold and into the recess in the profile, and atleast partially curing the liquid lens material to form the ocular lenswith at least one protrusion formed by the at least one recess. In otherembodiments, a method includes depositing an optical material onto asupporting surface of an ocular lens where the ocular lens comprises anoptic zone shaped to direct light towards a central focal point of acentral region of a retina when worn on an eye of a user and thedeposited optical material has a characteristic that directs light intothe eye away from the central region of the retina.

The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. The Summary and the Background are not intended to identifykey concepts or essential aspects of the disclosed subject matter, norshould they be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims. Forexample, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whetherthe recited subject matter includes any or all aspects noted in theSummary and/or addresses any of the issues noted in the Background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of theprinciples described herein and are part of the specification. Theillustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scopeof the claims.

FIG. 1 is cross sectional view of one embodiment of an ocular lensdirecting light into an eye, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is cross sectional view of one embodiment of an ocular lensdirecting light into an eye, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is cross sectional view of one embodiment of an ocular lensdirecting light into an eye, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of an injectionmolding machine configured to form a spin casting mold to make an ocularlens, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of forming a spincasting mold to make an ocular lens, according to the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of an mold used formaking a spin casting mold for an ocular lens, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a spin castingmold for an ocular lens, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a spin castingmold with a liquid lens material, according to the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a spin castingmold with a liquid lens material centrifugally spreading across aprofile of the spin casting mold, according to the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a spinningstructure used to shape and cure spin casting molds for making ocularlenses, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method for makingocular lenses, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method for makingocular lenses, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of one embodimentof an ocular lens with features for directing the light off axis towardsa peripheral region of the retina, according to the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a magnified view of one embodiment of a feature for directinglight towards a periphery of a retina, according to the principles ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a magnified view of one embodiment of a feature for directinglight towards a periphery of a retina, according to the principles ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 15-18 are front views of exemplary embodiments of ocular lenses,according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 19-21 are cross sectional views of exemplary embodiments of thefeatures of the ocular lens, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofmultiple layers of a lens body with features for directing light towardsa periphery of a retina, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a layer of a lens bodywith features for directing light towards a periphery of a retina,according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of a lens body includingfeatures of varying powers, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the entire lens body including featuresof varying powers, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26 is a close up view of an array of features having varyingpowers, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a an ocular lens directing lightwith varying focal points into an eye, according to the principles ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a lens body including a plurality of semi-sphere lensletsformed on a lens body, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a lens body includingFresnel type sections, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 30 is a back view of an inner Fresnel type lens, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a back view of an inner Fresnel type toric lens, according tothe principles of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The growth of the eye's axial length can be affected by visual feedbackreceived in the retina. The visual feedback can be used to balance theaxial length of the eye with the collective focusing ability of thecornea and crystalline lens. The eye uses the focal point of the lightfocused on the retina to determine when the eye's axial length isbalanced. Such visual feedback may be based on the entire surface areaof the retina, and not just the central portions of the retina dedicatedto central vision. Thus, if the periphery of the retina, which has agreater surface area than the central region, receives visual feedbackto extend the axial length, the eye may respond by growing to increasethe axial length of the eye. This may occur in cases where the centralvision is already balanced. Thus, such visual feedback can cause thecentral vision to become out of focus.

The principles described in the present disclosure include an ocularlens for controlling the light directed towards the peripheral regionsof the retina. The principles described herein also include a method andassociated components for making such an ocular lens.

The light directed towards the peripheral regions of the retina canprovide a stimulus that the eye can interpret as visual feedback todetermine a rate of growth for the eye. In some examples, the lightdirected towards the peripheral regions of the retina is focused exactlyon the peripheral regions of the retina. By causing the focal point ofthe peripherally directed light to be exactly on the retina, the eye mayalter the growth rate of the eye so that the axial length of the eyemaintains a consistent balance with the eye's focusing power. This maycause the eye to grow slower or stop growing altogether.

In other examples, the light may be focused short of the peripheralregions of the retina. As a result, the focal point of the directedlight is in front of the retina. Such a stimulus may cause the eye tohave peripheral myopia. This may have the effect of causing the eye toslow growth or stop growing altogether.

Generally, young children begin with a hyperopic condition where thefocal point is formed behind the retina. Thus, the eye has an earlystimulus to cause the eye to grow in a manner to correct the balancebetween the eye's focusing power and axial length. In cases where achild has a central hyperopic condition, light can be directed to theperipheral regions of the retina to be purposefully focused behind theretina. This may provide an additional stimulus to the eye to adjust itsgrowth and/or shape which may correct the eye's central vision.

FIG. 1 is cross sectional view of one embodiment of an ocular lens 10directing light into an eye 12 according to the principles of thepresent disclosure. In this example, the ocular lens 10 is placed overthe eye 12. Ambient light rays 14, 16, 18 enter the eye 12 after havingpassed through the ocular lens 10. These rays of light are focused by anoptic zone 20 of the ocular lens 10 towards a central region 22 of theretina 24. The focal point 25 of the light rays 14, 16, 18 is formed onthe central region 22 of the retina 24, which causes the eye to clearlysee objects that are both near and far from the eye.

Other ambient light rays 26, 28, 30 also enter the eye 12 through theocular lens 10. These light rays 26, 28, 30 are refracted differentlythan light rays 14, 16, 18. Light rays 26, 28, 30 are directed towardsthe peripheral region 32 of the retina 24. In the example of FIG. 1, thelight rays 26, 28, 30 are focused on the peripheral region 32 of theretina 24. This may cause the eye 12 to have a stimulus that indicatesthat the focusing power of the eye and the axial length 34 are balanced.Thus, the eye 12 may be induced to maintain its current ratio betweenthe focusing power and axial length 34.

Light rays 26, 28, 30 are refracted differently than light rays 14, 16,18 because light rays 26, 28, 30 pass through the ocular lens 10 at anexemplary feature 36 that has a different refractive property than therefractive properties in the optic zone 20 of the ocular lens 10.According to one exemplary embodiment, the feature 36 may be a featuremade of a material with a different refractive index than the materialmaking up the optic zone 20 of the ocular lens 10. The feature mayinclude a material that is a silicone material, a hydrogel material,tefilcon, tetrafilcon A, crofilcon, helfilcon A&B, mafilcon, polymacon,hioxifilcon B, lotrafilcon A, lotrafilcon B, galyfilcon A, senofilcon A,sifilcon A, comfilcon A, enfilcon A, lidofilcon B, surfilcon A,lidofilcon A, alfafilcon A, omafilcon A, vasurfilcon A, hioxifilcon A,hioxifilcon D, nelfilcon A, hilafilcon A, acofilcon A, bufilcon A,deltafilcon A, phemfilcon A, bufilcon A, perfilcon, etafilcon A,focofilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilcon C, ocufilcon D ocufilcon E,ocufilcon F, phemfilcon A, methafilcon A, methafilcon B, vilfilcon A,other types of polymers, or combinations thereof. These materials mayinclude various combinations of monomers, polymers, and other materialsto form the final polymer. For example, common components of thesematerials may include HEMA, HEMA-GMA, and the like.

In some embodiments, the ocular lens 10 has a thickness of approximately0.01 mm to approximately 0.14 mm. The thickness of the ocular lens 10can vary at different locations on the ocular lens 10. For example, theocular lens 10 can be thicker near the outer edge of the ocular lens 10than in the optic zone 20. In some examples, the feature 36 may be anadditive feature that adds to the thickness of the ocular lens 10. Inother examples, the feature 36 is a subtractive feature that reduces thethickness of the lens. In yet other examples, the feature 36 replacesthe material that otherwise makes up the ocular lens 10. For example,sections of the ocular lens may be replaced with the material that makesup the features 36.

The feature 36 may be formed in any number of ways including, but in noway limited to, designing the feature into a cast mold configured toform a cast molded contact lens or a spin-cast mold that is used to forma spin-cast soft contact lens, forming the feature in an intermediatelayer of a composite-type lens, adding material on the exterior surface38 of the ocular lens 10 via deposition via a printing process or amulti-stage curing process, and the like. In the exemplary embodimentthat includes printing the feature 36, such printing processes mayinclude pad printing processes, plate printing processes, etch printingprocesses, dot matrix printing processes, laser printing processes, tampprinting processes, liquid jet printing processes, other types ofprocesses, or combinations thereof. In other examples, the feature isadded to a surface of the ocular lens through another mechanism, such asspraying techniques, vapor deposition techniques, droplet techniques,coating techniques, other types of techniques, or combinations thereof.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the features 36 configured todirect light into the peripheral regions of the retina may be integrallyformed in the ocular lens 10. In such examples, the features 36 are madeof the same material as the material that makes up the rest of theocular lens 10. According to this embodiment, the refractive index ofthe features 36 is the same as the refractive index of the material ofthe ocular lens 10. However, a geometry of the features 36, an increasedthickness of the features 36, a refractive property of the features 36,or another property of the features 36 may result in causing the lightrays 26, 28, 30 to be selectively directed towards the peripheral region32 of the retina 24.

In some examples, the ocular lens 10 is a contact lens, a soft contactlens, a rigid gas permeable contact lens, an implantable contact lens,another type of lens, or combinations thereof. In the example of FIG. 1,the optic zone 20 is free of the features 36. As a result, there islittle to no effect from the feature to the eye's central vision.However, multiple, independent features 36 divert some of the lightcontacting the ocular lens 10 in non-optic regions that would nototherwise enter the eye, or would enter the eye in a different mannerThus, an increased amount of light enters the eye 12 due to the off-axispositioning of the optic features 36. At least most of the light raysthat would otherwise enter the eye and travel towards the peripheralregion 32 of the eye 12 without the features 36 continue to enter theeye 12 without aid of the features 36. This light already providesvisual feedback to the eye that affects eye growth. However, theadditional light redirected by the features 36 into the eye can becontrolled to counteract that visual feedback, to enhance that visualfeedback, to modify that visual feedback, or otherwise provide astimulus that affects to eye growth. The additional visual feedback canbe used to control myopia progression or, in some cases, prevent myopiafrom occurring. The amount of light directed towards the peripheralregion 32 of the retina 24 may be selected based on the amount of lightneeded to obtain the desired effect on the eye growth. In some cases,minor amounts of additional light directed from the features 36 aresufficient to achieve the desired results. However, in other cases,directing more light may be beneficial to overcome a strong naturalstimulus that causes undesirable axial length growth.

FIG. 2 is cross sectional view of one embodiment of an ocular lens 10directing light into an eye 12 according to the principles of thepresent disclosure. In this example, the features 36 direct the lighttowards the peripheral region 32 of the retina, but the focal point 25of the directed light is formed in front of the retina 24. Thus, thelight rays 26, 28, 30 directed by the features 36 cause a peripheralmyopic condition. Such a stimulus may indicate stopping or slowing thegrowth of the axial growth of the eye 12. In some examples, such aperipheral myopic stimulus may provide a stronger stimulus to the eye 12to change the eye's growth, without adversely affecting the user'svision since the light in the optic zone is correctly focused on theretina. In some example, directing the redirected light rays 26, 28, 30to focus short of the peripheral region 32 of the retina 24 may bedesirable to treat cases of myopia because such a stimulus indicatesthat the axial length 34 is too long.

FIG. 3 is cross sectional view of one embodiment of an ocular lens 10directing light into an eye 12 according to the principles of thepresent disclosure. In this example, the features 36 direct the lighttowards the peripheral region 32 of the retina, but the focal point 25of the directed light is formed behind the retina 24. Thus, the lightrays 26, 28, 30 directed by the features 36 cause a peripheral hyperopiccondition. Such a stimulus may indicate to increase the axial growth ofthe eye 12. In some examples, such a peripheral hyperopic stimulus mayprovide a stimulus to the eye 12 to change the eye's growth rate. Insome examples, directing the redirected light rays 26, 28, 30 to focusbehind of the peripheral region 32 of the retina 24 may be desirable totreat cases of hyperopia because such a stimulus may signal that theaxial length 34 is too short. Similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, the desired stimulus of FIG. 3 is provided outside the opticzone and the user's immediate optical experience is not adverselyaffected.

While FIGS. 1-3 have been described with reference to focusing theredirected light within a three dimensional space with reference to theretina 24, the feature 36 may direct light into the peripheral space ofthe vitreous chamber 40 of the eye 12 for any appropriate reason. Forexample, the light may be directed into the peripheral space without apredetermined focus. In other examples, the light may be directed intothe peripheral space with a predetermined focus as described in FIGS.1-3. In some cases, the light may be directed into the peripheral spaceof the vitreous chamber 40 for treating conditions other than myopia andhyperopia. For example, the light may be directed into the peripheralspace for treating other conditions, for entertainment purposes, forcommunicating with a device implanted in the eye, for other purposes, orcombinations thereof.

Further, FIGS. 1-3 are depicted with a limited number of featuresdirecting light to limited areas of the retina for illustrated purposes.Multiple, independent features can focus light to multiple areas of theretina. Each of the independent features can be customized to specificcircumstances of the eye. For example, some of the features may includevarying degrees of focusing power, refractive properties, shapes, sizes,materials, thicknesses, other physical characteristics, other chemicalcharacteristics, other characteristics, or combinations thereof.Different optic features of the same ocular lens may independently focuslight in front of, on, or behind the retina. In other examples,different areas of the retina receive different intensities ofredirected light.

In some examples, the features are constructed so that the wavelengthsof the redirected light are not separated. In other words, the featuresmay direct the all wavelengths within the visual light spectrumtogether. However, in some examples, at least some of the features maybe constructed to redirect just selected wavelengths of light towards tothe peripheral areas of the retina.

FIGS. 4A-9 illustrate various components that can be used in certainexamples for making an ocular lens 10 having the features 36. While thepresent exemplary systems and methods are described below primarily inthe context of a spin cast contact lens formed in an injection moldedspin cast mold 42, the present systems and methods may also be equallyapplied to lenses manufactured from spin casting, cast molding, and/orturning.

With reference to spin cast contact lenses, the features present on theanterior surface of the lens are typically designed into the mold usedin the manufacture of the lens. FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of oneembodiment of making molds 42 for the production of ocular lenses 10according to the principles of the present disclosure. In this example,an injection molding process is used to form the mold 42. As shown, astandard injection molding machine may be used to form the molds 42.Specifically, material for the molds is fed through a funnel 150 to acylinder 152. The cylinder 152 may include a screw 154 or another typeof mechanism that is configured to move the molding material along thelength of the cylinder 152. Additionally, a heating mechanism 156 isapplied to the cylinder to melt or at least soften the molding materialas the molding material is passed through the cylinder 152. At a nozzle158 of the cylinder 152, the molding material is extruded into a cavity160 collectively formed by a first part 162 and a second part 164.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A and 4B, the cavity 160 includes male moldtooling 48 and female mold tooling 47 that are respectively aligned withone another. The extrusion pressure of the molding material entering thecavity 160 causes the molding material to fill all of the void spacewithin the cavity 160 including the space between the male mold tooling48 and female mold tooling 47. The geometry of the male mold tooling 48and female mold tooling 47 is transferred to the resulting spin castmolds 42 for spin casting the ocular lens 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 4Band 5, male mold tooling 48 of the spin casting mold 42 may includeprotrusions 49 that resemble the desired shape and size of the features36.

To generate features 36 having the desired optical properties, the malemold tooling 48 is precisely machined to match the features desired onthe final ocular lens to be produced according to the present exemplarysystem and methods. Any number of precise machining and formingmethodologies may be used to form the male mold tooling including, butin no way limited to, DAC ophthalmic lathes, Optoform ophthalmic lathes,FTS tooling, 5-axis diamond milling, 3-dimensional nano-printing,nanolithography, fused deposition, and the like. After the moldingmaterial has had a sufficient time to harden within the cavity 160, thefirst part 162 and the second part 164 are separated, and the molds areremoved via ejector pins 166.

A liquid lens material 52 can be applied to a profile 54 of the spincasting mold 42 formed by the male mold tooling 48. The spin castingmold 42 with the liquid lens material 52 can be loaded into a spinningstructure 68 or spin tube that is configured to spin the spin castingmold 42 so that the liquid lens material 52 centrifugally spreads acrossto the profile 54 into the desired shape of the ocular lens, whichincludes filling the recesses 55 of the profile 54. A curing agent(i.e., temperature, actinic radiation, or another type of curing agent)is exposed to the liquid lens material 52 while the spin casting mold 42is spinning. As a result, the liquid lens material 52 forms the ocularlens 10 with the features 36 formed on the ocular lens' anterior surface38.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a spin castingmold for an ocular lens according to the principles of the presentdisclosure. In this example, the spin casting mold 42 has a base 56 withmultiple cut outs 58, 60, 62 that are configured to allow the passage ofan inert gas between the molds during the spinning and curing process.The profile 54 of the spin casting mold 42 is shaped to form theanterior surface of the ocular lens 10. The recesses 55 formed in theprofile 54 correspond to the protrusions formed in the male mold tooling46.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a spin castingmold 42 with a liquid lens material 52 according to the principles ofthe present disclosure. In this example, the liquid lens material 52 isdeposited into the profile 54 of the spin casting mold.

The liquid lens material 52 can be made from any material suitable foruse in contact lenses. For example, the liquid lens material 52 can bemade of any silicone material and/or hydrogel material. Such materialmay be formed of polymers, such as tefilcon, tetrafilcon A, crofilcon,helfilcon A&B, mafilcon, polymacon, hioxifilcon B, lotrafilcon A,lotrafilcon B, galyfilcon A, senofilcon A, sifilcon A, comfilcon A,enfilcon A, lidofilcon B, surfilcon A, lidofilcon A, alfafilcon A,omafilcon A, vasurfilcon A, hioxifilcon A, hioxifilcon D, nelfilcon A,hilafilcon A, acofilcon A, bufilcon A, deltafilcon A, phemfilcon A,bufilcon A, perfilcon, etafilcon A, focofilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilconC, ocufilcon D ocufilcon E, ocufilcon F, phemfilcon A, methafilcon A,methafilcon B, vilfilcon A, other types of polymers, monomers, orcombinations thereof. These materials may include various combinationsof monomers, polymers, and other materials to form the liquid lensmaterial.

In one embodiment, the liquid lens material is made of hydrogel polymerswithout any silicone. This may be desirable to increase the wettabilityof the ocular contact lens. In another embodiment, the liquid lensmaterial is made of silicone hydrogel material.

The ocular lens 10 can be shaped and sized based on a variety offactors, including the shape and size of the users eye and variousoptical properties to be achieved by the optic zone of the ocular lens.The total thickness of the ocular lens 10 can be approximately 0.1 mm toapproximately 0.14 mm. The thickness of the ocular lens 10 can graduallyvary at different locations on the ocular lens 10. For example, theocular lens 10 can be thicker near the outer edge of the ocular lens 10than in the optic zone. However, the features 36 may cause the crosssectional thickness of the ocular lens 10 to vary sharply in isolatedlocations across the anterior surface 38 of the ocular lens 10.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a spin castingmold 42 with a liquid lens material 52 centrifugally spreading across aprofile 54 of the spin casting mold 42 according to the principles ofthe present disclosure. In this example, the spin casting mold 42 isspun around a central axis 66 within a spinning structure (68, FIG. 9)or spin tube. The spinning structure 68 is rotated at a speed and insuch a way that forms the desired posterior surface 70 of the ocularlens 10.

The spinning structure 68 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a centralloading region 72 that is configured to receive the spin casting molds42 that contain the liquid lens material 52. The central loading region72 may be formed by a glass tube, a metal tube, or another type ofstructure that can retain the spin casting molds 42 in a stackedorientation. In examples where actinic radiation is used as the curingagent, the spinning structure 68 is an opaque material that includessufficient openings to allow the actinic radiation into the centralloading region 72. In the example of FIG. 9, the spinning structure 68includes a glass sidewall 74 that retains the spin casting molds 42 in astacked orientation. The spinning structure 68 also includes a region 76that can be used to attached to a spinning driver, such as a motor.

The spinning structure 68 is programmed to rotate in a precise manner toform the desired posterior surface 70 of the ocular lens 10, which isthe surface of the ocular lens that is intended to contact the eye. Theprogram that causes the spinning structure 68 to rotate can be modifiedto create a desired profile for individual prescriptions. The curingagent is applied to the liquid lens material 52 while the spinningstructure 68 rotates the spin casting molds 42. As a result, the ocularlens 10 is formed while the spinning structure rotates. In someexamples, the ocular lenses are fully cured within the spinningstructure. However, in other examples, ocular lens 10 may be fully curedover the course of multiple curing stages. For example, the ocular lensmay be cured in the spinning structure 68 to a point where the liquidlens material 52 retains its shape but is not fully cured. At thisstage, the spin casting mold with the ocular lens may be removed fromthe spinning structure to finish curing in an environment that is morecost effective. A spinning structure that is compatible with theprinciples described herein is described in U.S. Patent Publication2012/0133064 issued to Stephen D. Newman. U.S. Patent Publication2012/0133064 is herein incorporated by reference for all that isdiscloses.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method 78 for makingocular lenses according to the principles of the present disclosure. Inthis example, the method 78 includes forming a mold with a lens matingsurface by forming a profile in a first side of the mold material wherethe profile contains at least one negative of an optic feature (step80). According to one exemplary embodiment, the profile may be injectionmolded using a male mold tooling 48 as described in reference to FIGS.4A-5. The method may also include applying the lens material to thefirst side of the mold (step 82) and spinning the mold such that theliquid lens material centrifugally flows across the first side of thespin casting mold and fills the at least one negative of an opticfeature formed on the profile (step 84). The liquid lens material isthen at least partially cured to form the ocular lens with at least oneprotrusion formed by the at least one recess while spinning in the spincasting mold (step 86). The optic feature may be any feature thatredirects light into the peripheral space of the vitreous chamber of theeye towards the peripheral retina when worn on an eye.

While the examples described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-10 havebeen described with specific reference to forming a protrusion on theanterior surface of the ocular lens to create the feature, anyappropriate mechanism for forming the ocular lens and its associatedfeatures may be used in accordance with the principles described in thepresent disclosure. For example, a different material may be applied tothe spin casting mold and cured within just the recesses to form theprotrusions prior to applying liquid lens material. In such an example,the protrusions are formed with a different material than the rest ofthe lens body. During a later curing process, such protrusions may bebonded to the rest of the lens body. Further, the protrusions may beformed outside of a spinning process and bonded to the body of theocular lens through a curing process, a bonding process, or through anyother type of appropriate process for adding an optical feature on acontact lens.

In yet other examples, the features are deposited on the lens body. Suchan example is described in FIG. 11. In this example, the method 88includes depositing 90 an optical material on a supporting surface of anocular lens where the ocular lens comprises an optic zone shaped todirect light towards a central focal point of a central region of aretina when worn on an eye of a user and the deposited optical materialcomprises a characteristic that selectively directs peripheral lightinto the eye away from the central region of the retina when worn on aneye.

In such an example, the optical material may be made of the samematerial as the lens body, or the optical material may be made of adifferent type of material with a different index of refraction. Ineither case, the features may be formed such that they direct lighttowards the peripheral regions of the retina. The features can bedeposited on the anterior, posterior, or intermediate surface of thelens body through the use of printing techniques. Such printingtechniques may include, but are not limited to, pad printing, plateprinting, etch printing, dot matrix printing, dye sublimation andcarrier sheet (laser printing), use of photosensitive elements thatreceive subsequent laser treatment, other types of printing techniques,or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the printing method is a tamp printing technique.Tamp printing techniques include one method of pad printing that uses alaser etched pad to transfer the material to form the features to theocular lens. The pad tamps a reservoir of such material each time beforethe pad tamps the ocular lens. Machines capable of printing in thisfashion are available from TAMPOPRINT AG, which is headquartered inKorntal-Münchingen, Germany

In another embodiment, such material can be printed on the ocular lensusing an liquid jet printing system. In one embodiment, the material hasa liquid characteristic that is capable of being injected from apressure ink jet cartridge, a thermal ink jet cartridge, another type ofink cartridge, or combinations thereof. Such a liquid may include asilicone material.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an ocular lens 10with features 36 for directing the light off axis towards a peripheralregion of the retina according to the principles of the presentdisclosure. In this example, the ocular lens 10 includes an optic zone20 and a non-optic region 92. The features 36 are formed in thenon-optic region 92. FIGS. 13-14 depict features 36 formed withhexagonal shapes 94.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the optic zone 20 is configured to focuscentral light 96 passing through the optic zone on the retina 24 in thecentral region 22 of an eye on which the ocular lens 10 is worn. Theoptic zone 20 is positioned in front of the eye's pupil. Often, thenon-optic region 92 circumscribes the optic zone 20 and makes up theremainder of the ocular lens 10. This non-optic region 92 may bepositioned over the iris and, in some cases, portions of the conjunctivaand sclera of the eye. Traditionally, light passing through thenon-optic region 92 of the ocular lens 10 does not enter the eye becausesuch light rays would make contact with regions of the eye that do notpermit light to enter, such as the iris and sclera. However, in contrastto traditional lenses, the features 36 incorporated into the ocular lens10 direct peripheral light rays 98 (that would not otherwise be on atrajectory to enter the eye) into the pupil at an angle that, by design,directs the peripheral light towards the peripheral region 32 of theretina 24.

The peripheral light 98 redirected into the eye may not affect thecentral vision of the eye because the peripheral light 98 is directedinto the peripheral region 32 of the retina where peripheral vision isprocessed. Consequently, the peripheral light 98 that is directedtowards the peripheral region 32 of the retina 24 can be intentionallydefocused to provide a desired stimulus to the eye. For example, theredirected peripheral light 98 may be focused exactly on the retina. Insome cases, such a stimulus may indicate that the eye's axial length isproperly proportioned with the eye's focusing power. In other examples,the redirected light rays 98 are focused to fall short of the retina. Insome cases, such a stimulus indicates that the eye's axial length is toolong for the eye's focusing power, thereby slowing or ceasing the axialgrowth of the eye. In yet other cases, the redirected light rays 98 canbe focused behind the retina, which may create a stimulus that indicatesthe eye's axial length is too short for the eye's focusing power.Depending on the eye's ability to grow, the eye may be caused to grow insuch a manner to at least partial improve the balance between the axiallength of the eye and the eye's focusing power based on the stimulus.

The amount of light that is redirected to the peripheral region 32 ofthe retina 24 is based on the number of features 36, the refractiveindex of the features 36, the shape of the features 36, other factors,and combinations thereof. An ocular lens 10 may be customized forconditions of the eye. For example, in cases where a professional feelsthat a strong stimulus is desirable, more features 36 may be added tothe ocular lens to redirect more light or the focusing power of selectedfeatures may be increased. In other examples, a material with certainrefractive indexes or features with different shapes may be used toachieve the desired strength of the stimulus. Likewise, these parametersmay be scaled down to reduce the strength of the stimulus as desiredbased on a different eye's condition.

The hexagonal shape 94 of the features is further illustrated in FIGS.13 and 14. As shown, according to one exemplary embodiment, thehexagonal shape 94 may include six contiguous side faces 100 that bordera central face 102. The side faces 100 may be angled precisely to directthe light rays to the desired portion of the vitreous chamber of theeye. The height of the hexagonal shape 94 may be dependent on thedesired angle of the side faces 100. Further, the angle of the sidefaces 100 may also determine the width, length, and other dimensions ofthe feature 36. The density and spacing of the features may also bedetermined by the desired intensity of the stimulus. The junctionsbetween the side faces 100 and the junctions between the side faces 100and the central 102 may be rounded, beveled, sharp, or otherwisecontoured to provide desirable optical properties or for convenience inmanufacturing.

While this example has been described with reference to features 36 withhexagonal shapes 94, any appropriate type of shape may be used inaccordance with the principles described herein. For example, FIGS.15-18 depict other arrangements of features with different shapes thatmay be used to redirect light toward the peripheral region 32 of theretina 24. In the example of FIG. 15, the features include diamondshapes 104. In the example of FIG. 16, the features include triangularshapes 106. In the example of FIG. 17, the features include circularshapes 108. FIG. 18 depicts a single feature 36 that encompasses amajority of the non-optic zone 110. In this example, the shape may be aring deposited or otherwise formed on the anterior surface 38 of theocular lens or in an intermediate layer of the lens. In such examples,the material used to make the feature 36 with the solid shape 110 mayinclude a dye, pigment, another type of coloring agent that may cause aneye that wears such an ocular lens 10 to appear to have an eye color ofthe feature 36. Such an ocular lens 10 may be worn by those who desireto change their eye color.

FIGS. 19-21 depict various cross sectional views of the features 36according to the principles described in the present disclosure. Forexample, FIG. 19 discloses a feature 36 that is deposited on theanterior surface 38 of the ocular lens. In this example, there is aninterface 112 between the deposited material of the feature 36 and thelens body 114. The deposited material may have a characteristic thatcauses it to adhere to the lens body 114. Such a characteristic mayinclude an electrostatic attraction, an adhesive component,cross-linking of the polymers, another type of characteristic, orcombinations thereof. Such a feature may be made with the processes thatwere described in conjunction with FIG. 11.

FIG. 20 depicts a feature 36 that is integrally formed with the lensbody 114. Such a feature may be made with the processes that weredescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 4A-10. In such an example, thecross-sectional thickness 113 of the ocular lens 10 increases in anisolated location 111 of the ocular lens. FIG. 21 depicts a feature 36that includes an isolated change in the gradual curve of the anteriorsurface 38 due to an intermediate layer formed in a composite lens. Asillustrated in FIG. 21, a composite lens is illustrated including ananterior surface 38, an intermediate layer 115 including a feature 36,and a posterior layer forming the posterior surface 70. Further detailsof a composite lens including multiple layers will be provided belowwith reference to FIGS. 22-31.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of multiple layers of acomposite lens body 114 with features 36 for directing light towards aperiphery of a retina according to the principles of the presentdisclosure. In this example, the lens body 114 includes an anteriorlayer 116, an intermediate layer 118, and a posterior layer 120. Theintermediate layer 118 may include the features 36 for redirecting thelight. Such features 36 may be deposited on or integrally formed withthe intermediate layer 118. Each of the layers 116, 118, 120 may becross-linked together. In some examples, the intermediate layer 118 mayinclude a color enhancing material that may or may not make up thefeatures 36 to causes the eye to have a different appearance, such as anapparent change of the color of the iris.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the anterior layer 116 can beformed using any suitable contact lens manufacturing processesincluding, but in no way limited to, spin casting, cast molding, and/orturning. In one embodiment, the first lens layer is formed using a moldand spinning and curing techniques. A portion of liquid polymericmaterial is poured into the mold, spun, and cured to form the first lenslayer. The spinning and curing steps can be partial so that the firstlens layer is not fully cured prior to the insertion of the intermediatelayer.

The mold used to form the first lens layer can be any mold suitable foruse in the formation of contact lenses. In one embodiment, the mold islaser etched to impart desired optical properties to the final contactlens. The mold can be designed and shaped in any of variety of ways toachieve the desired optical properties for the final contact lensproduct. Additionally, the amount of liquid polymeric material pouredinto the mold is generally not limited and can be adjusted based on thedesired final properties of the contact lens, including physicalproperties such as thickness and various optical properties.

The polymeric material used to form the anterior layer 116 can be any ofthe materials described above. In one embodiment, the polymeric materialused to form the first lens layer is at least substantially entirelyhydrogel polymers such as HEMA-GMA. In another embodiment, the polymericmaterial can include a silicone hydrogel material.

The spinning and curing steps can be varied during the formation of theanterior layer 116 based on the desired properties of the final contactlens. For example, it is generally desirable to cure the first lenslayer sufficiently to allow it to support the intermediate layer 118 andthe posterior layer 120, but not so much that it cannot adequately bondto the intermediate and posterior layers when added.

In one exemplary embodiment, the intermediate layer 118 is formedseparately, including the desired features 36, and inserted into themold onto the anterior layer 116. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the intermediate layer 118 is positioned adjacent to theanterior layer 116, followed by the inclusion of additional polymericmaterial and subsequent spinning and curing to form the posterior layer120. Alternatively, after a partial cure, the desired features 36 couldbe formed into the back of the partially cured anterior layer 116 insitu, followed by a secondary dosing of polymeric material and formationof the posterior layer 120. The features may be formed on the backsurface of the anterior layer 116 using any number of forming methodsincluding, but in no way limited to, stamping, etching, materialadditive processes, or any printing methods that are suitable for use inprinting on contact lenses such as pad printing, tamp printing, plateprinting, etch printing, dot matrix printing, liquid jet printing, dyesublimation and carrier sheet (laser printing), and printingphotosensitive elements that receive subsequent laser treatment.

In one embodiment, the same mold is used for forming the anterior layer116, the intermediate layer 118, and the posterior layer 120.Alternatively, a separate mold can be used to form one or more layer.The mold can be any mold suitable for use in the formation of a contactlens.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an assembled composite contact lensincluding an anterior layer 116 of a lens body 114 with features 36 fordirecting light towards a periphery of a retina according to theprinciples of the present disclosure. In this example, the layer 116includes features that are incorporated on a posterior surface 70 of theanterior layer 116 after printing, embossing, or stamping. In such anexample, a posterior layer 120 may be bonded to the anterior layer 116.In other examples, a posterior layer 120 may have the features 36 formedon an anterior surface 38, and an anterior layer 116 may be positionedover the anterior surface 38 of the posterior layer 120 such thatfeatures 36 are between the anterior layer 116 and the posterior layer120.

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate the design flexibility that can be accomplishedby incorporating an intermediate layer in a composite lens. Asillustrated in FIG. 24, a plurality of lenslet features 36 having, forexample, a hexagonal shape 94, including a central face 102 and sidefaces 100, are formed in the non-optic region of an intermediate layerof a composite lens. As illustrated, the use of precision tool makingmethodologies, such as 3-D nano-printing and nano-lithography, allowsfor precise design and sequencing of the lenslet features 36 on theintermediate layer. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the lenslet features 36have varying powers ranging from 1-4. According to one exemplaryembodiment, the zones of powers exhibited by the lenslet features 36 canbe random within a prescribed range of powers, or sequentially designedfor a specifically desired effect. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of theentire lens body including an intermediate layer having lenslet features36 having varying powers, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure. Similarly, FIG. 26 illustrates a more compact grouping oflenslet features 36 assuming a hexagonal shape 94. As illustrated inFIG. 26, the present system and method provides a high level ofprecision and flexibility when designing a lens for a desired treatment.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a an ocular lens directing lightwith varying focal points and intensities into an eye according to theprinciples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the useof the high precision manufacturing techniques and the hexagonal lensletfeatures 36, different light focal points and intensities can begenerated by a single lens. As shown, an ocular lens 10 including aplurality of hexagonal lenslet features 36 can direct light havingdifferent focal points 271 to the peripheral region of the retina. Asshown, the ocular lens 10 is configured to properly focus the centrallight 96 passing through the optic zone of the lens to the centralregion 22 of the retina 24 to provide clear distance vision.Additionally, the parallel light 270 and peripheral light 272 passesthrough the hexagonal lenslet features 36 and onto the peripheral regionof the retina. By varying the focal point of the various hexagonallenslet features 36, different light intensities 276, 277, 278 reach theperipheral region of the retina. Consequently, the optical lens caninduce a desired and varying stimulus to the peripheral region of theretina.

While the above-mentioned intermediate lens is described as havinghexagonal shaped lenslet features 36 for the selective focusing ofperipheral light, any number of lens and lenslet geometries may be usedaccording to the present exemplary system and method. As illustrated inFIG. 28, a lens body may include a plurality of semi sphere lensletfeatures 36 formed on the anterior surface of the ocular lens 10. Asmentioned above, the anterior surface of the ocular lens 10 can beselectively modified to include such lenslets via precision molding ofthe spin cast lens mold. According to one exemplary embodiment thelenslet features 36 are designed such that they have a similar power andprism to form a pseudo vision shell anterior to the retina.Alternatively, the lenslet features 36 may have different power andprism to selectively vary the light intensities that reach theperipheral region of the retina.

Alternatively, Fresnel type sections may be used to selectively directperipheral light to the peripheral region of the retina. As illustratedin FIGS. 29-31, a Fresnel type lens 290 includes at least one layer ofthe ocular lens 10 having Fresnel prisms 292 formed therein. Accordingto one exemplary embodiment, the use of Fresnel prisms 292 allows forthe manufacture of ocular lenses that will redirect peripheral light asnoted above, with reduced mass and volume of material.

FIG. 30 is a back view of an inner Fresnel type lens, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the Fresnel typelens 290 may be configured to properly focus the central light 96passing through the optic zone 20 of the lens to the central region 22of the retina 24 to provide clear distance vision. Additionally a numberof Fresnel prisms 292 may be formed outside the central optic zone 20 inthe non-optic region 92 of the ocular lens 10. According to theillustrated embodiment, the lens is divided into octants withalternating octants containing a Fresnel prisms 292. Accordingly, theFresnel prisms 292 may be designed to impart high levels of desired andvarying stimulus to the peripheral region of the retina.

Similarly, the present exemplary systems and methods may be incorporatedinto toric lenses. For example, FIG. 31 is a back view of an innerFresnel type toric lens, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure. As illustrated, the inner Fresnel prisms 292 are disposed inthirds corresponding to the standard orientation of a toric lens.

While, the examples above have been described with reference to specifictypes of ocular lens, feature shapes, feature material, layers, andother parameters, any appropriate type of parameter may be incorporatedinto the lens in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. Thus, any number of features, shapes, or layers may be usedin accordance with the principles described herein. Further, multipletypes of materials with differing optical refractive characteristics maybe used to make the features. Further, the features may be made withdifferent material to achieve optimal bonding, spacing, adhesion,optics, or other types of characteristics.

The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary andcustomary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries inwidely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries,commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with theunderstanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one orcombination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g.,two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to providethe broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject onlyto the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that ismore expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term shouldbe given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additionalexpansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to havea different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as usedherein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,”“as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure the term shallmean,” etc.).

References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word“invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwiserestrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situationswhere exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should beconsidered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with andshould not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particularembodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This istrue even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature orcombination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, theappended claims should be given their broadest interpretation in view ofthe prior art and the meaning of the claim terms.

As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as “left,” “right,”“front,” “back,” and the like, relate to the subject matter as it isshown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that thedescribed subject matter may assume various alternative orientationsand, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.

Articles such as “the,” “a,” and “an” can connote the singular orplural. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (orother similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to beexclusive—e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to beinclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y).

The term “and/or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “xand/or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and/or” or“or” are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, thegroup should be interpreted to include one item alone, all of the itemstogether, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, termsused in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, andincluding should be construed to be synonymous with the terms compriseand comprising.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as thoseexpressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in thespecification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in allinstances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as anattempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to theclaims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claimswhich is modified by the term “approximately” should at least beconstrued in light of the number of recited significant digits and byapplying ordinary rounding techniques.

All ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass andprovide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any andall individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claimsthat recite any and all subranges or individual values that are betweenand/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10;that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more andending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994,and so forth).

What is claimed is:
 1. An ocular lens, comprising: a lens body, the lensbody including an optic zone shaped to direct central light towards acentral focal point of a central region of a retina of an eye whendisposed relative to the eye, and a semi-spherical or hexagonal opticfeature protruding from the lens body defined outside the optic zone onthe lens body that directs peripheral light into the eye away from thecentral region of the retina when the lens body is disposed relative tothe eye, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature furthercauses the peripheral light directed away from the central region of theretina to have a focal point in front of the retina.
 2. The ocular lensof claim 1, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature is aprinted feature.
 3. The ocular lens of claim 1, wherein thesemi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature is formed on an anteriorsurface of the lens body.
 4. The ocular lens of claim 1, wherein thesemi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature is located in a region outsideof the optic zone.
 5. The ocular lens of claim 1, wherein thesemi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature has a different refractiveindex than a material of the lens body in the optic zone.
 6. The ocularlens of claim 1, wherein the ocular lens comprises one of a contactlens, a soft contact lens, or a rigid gas permeable contact lens.
 7. Theocular lens of claim 1, wherein the ocular lens comprises an implantablelens.
 8. The ocular lens of claim 1, wherein the semi-spherical orhexagonal optic feature is configured to direct the peripheral lightinto a peripheral region of the retina to form a pseudo vision shell. 9.The ocular lens of claim 1, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonaloptic feature comprises a hexagonal shape.
 10. The ocular lens of claim1, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature is free fromthe central light passing through the optic zone, where the optic zoneis centered in the ocular lens and the optic zone does not include thesemi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature.
 11. The ocular lens of claim1, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature comprises thesame refractive index as a material of the lens body.
 12. The ocularlens of claim 1, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonal optic featureis configured to modify an axial growth rate of the eye.
 13. The ocularlens of claim 1, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonal optic featureis configured to control a development of myopia.
 14. The ocular lens ofclaim 1, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature isconfigured to prevent a development of myopia.
 15. The ocular lens ofclaim 1, wherein the semi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature is one ofmultiple independent semi-spherical or hexagonal optic features of theocular lens that further causes the peripheral light directed away fromthe central region of the retina to have a focal point in front of theretina.
 16. The ocular lens of claim 15, wherein at least a subset ofthe multiple independent optic features are independently tuned to focuslight towards different portions of the retina when disposed relative tothe eye.
 17. The ocular lens of claim 15, wherein at least one of themultiple independent optic features has a different refractive indexthan another of the multiple independent optic features.
 18. The ocularlens of claim 15, wherein at least one of the multiple independent opticfeatures has a different focusing power than another of the multipleindependent optic features.
 19. The ocular lens of claim 15, wherein atleast one of the multiple independent optic features has a differentsize than another of the multiple independent optic features.
 20. Theocular lens of claim 15, wherein the multiple independent semi-sphericalor hexagonal optic features have hexagonal shapes and at least one ofthe multiple independent hexagonally shaped optic features has adifferent shape than another of the multiple independent hexagonallyshaped optic features.
 21. The ocular lens of claim 1, wherein a fieldof curvature of the ocular lens is unaffected by the semi-spherical orhexagonal optic feature.
 22. The ocular lens of claim 1, wherein thesemi-spherical or hexagonal optic feature is a lenslet.
 23. The ocularlens of claim 22, wherein the lenset is a hexagonal lenslet.
 24. Theocular lens of claim 22, wherein the lenset is a semi-spherical lenslet.25. An ocular lens, comprising: a lens body, the lens body including anoptic zone shaped to direct central light towards a central focal pointof a central region of a retina of an eye when disposed relative to theeye, and at least one isolated semi-spherical or hexagonal featureprotruding from the lens body defined outside the optic zone on the lensbody that directs peripheral light into the eye away from the centralregion of the retina when the lens body is disposed relative to the eye,wherein the isolated semi-spherical or hexagonal feature further causesthe peripheral light directed away from the central region of the retinato have a focal point not on the retina.
 26. The ocular lens of claim25, wherein the at least one isolated semi-spherical or hexagonalfeature is molded onto the anterior profile of the lens body.
 27. Theocular lens of claim 25, wherein the at least one isolatedsemi-spherical or hexagonal feature is formed on an anterior surface ofthe lens body.
 28. The ocular lens of claim 25, wherein the at least oneisolated semi-spherical or hexagonal feature is located in a regionoutside of the optic zone.
 29. The ocular lens of claim 25, wherein theat least one isolated semi-spherical or hexagonal feature has adifferent refractive index than another material of the lens body. 30.The ocular lens of claim 25, wherein the ocular lens comprises one of acontact lens, a soft contact lens, or a rigid gas permeable contactlens.
 31. The ocular lens of claim 25, wherein the ocular lens comprisesan implantable lens.
 32. The ocular lens of claim 25, wherein the atleast one isolated semi-spherical or hexagonal feature focusesperipheral light in front of a peripheral region of the retina.
 33. Theocular lens of claim 25, wherein the at least one isolatedsemi-spherical or hexagonal feature focuses peripheral light behind aperipheral region of the retina.
 34. The ocular lens of claim 25,wherein the at least one isolated semi-spherical or hexagonal featurecomprises a hexagonal shape.
 35. The ocular lens of claim 25, whereinthe at least one isolated semi-spherical or hexagonal feature comprisesthe same refractive index as a material of the lens body.
 36. The ocularlens of claim 25, wherein the at least one isolated semi-spherical orhexagonal feature is configured to control a development of myopia. 37.The ocular lens of claim 25, wherein the at least one isolatedsemi-spherical or hexagonal feature is configured to prevent thedevelopment of myopia.